About
The mission of Porterville Developmental Center (PDC) is to provide person-centered support and treatment programs to the individuals served, embracing change and opportunities while continuing partnerships with stakeholders. The Interdisciplinary Team, which includes the consumer, the family or legal representative, and PDC staff such as physicians, psychologists, nurses, psychiatric technicians, social workers, chaplains, rehabilitation and speech therapists, teachers, dietitians and pharmacists, all work toward this mission. The team develops an Individual Program Plan using a person-centered planning process. Services may include health care, education, work training, employment, self-help training, and preparation for independent living, as well as leisure activities, behavior management and socialization skills development.
Porterville Developmental Center (PDC), located on approximately 670 acres in Porterville California, opened in 1953 and currently serves people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in a general treatment area and separate secure treatment program.
PDC is one of four State-operated facilities within the California Department of Developmental Services serving people with developmental disabilities. PDC provides 24-hour residential services for individuals 18 years or older who have serious medical and/or behavior problems for which appropriate services are not currently available through community resources. PDC is licensed by the California Department of Public Health to provide general acute medical services, skilled nursing services, and intermediate care services.
The majority of individuals served at PDC have an intellectual disability and many have severe chronic medical or behavioral problems. Others require services within a secure treatment program. These individuals are in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability, have come in contact with the legal system, have been determined to be a danger to themselves or others and/or incompetent to stand trial, and have been determined by the court to meet the criteria requiring treatment in a secure area.
